Reusable, selectively conductive, z-axis elastomeric composite substrate

Abstract

The invention relates to an open cell, porous, selectively conductive member containing an elastomer that is reusable in use and preparation. The scaffold for the elastomer has conductive areas through conductive, z-axis pathways are provided which are electrically isolated from adjacent z-axis conductive pathways. The elastomer is non-adhesive and/or non tacky and allows for temporary connection of electronic components.

We claim: 
     
       1. An electronic testing package comprising at least first and second electronic components, said package further including a reusable, selectively conductive member comprising a planar, open cell, porous material having a x, y and z-axis with a series of electrically isolated, vertically defined cross-section areas that extend from one side of said material to another side of said material, in the z-axis direction, and being covered with conductive metal, and containing non-tacky elastomer in areas between adjacent vertically conductive areas, said selectively conductive material providing, in the z-axis direction, electrical contact between said first and second electrical components and being readily removable therefrom. 
     
     
       2. The package according to claim 1, wherein said planar, open cell, porous material is a polymer. 
     
     
       3. The package according to claim 2, wherein said polymer is a polyolefin. 
     
     
       4. The package according to claim 3, wherein said polyolefin is porous polypropylene or porous polyethylene. 
     
     
       5. The package according to claim 2, wherein said polymer is a fluoropolymer. 
     
     
       6. The package according to claim 2, wherein said polymer is a fluoropolymer. 
     
     
       7. The package according to claim 6, wherein said fluoropolymer is porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). 
     
     
       8. The package according to claim 6, wherein said fluoropolymer is, porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
       9. The package according to claim 6, wherein said fluoropolymer is a porous copolymer of polytetrafluoro-ethylene. 
     
     
       10. The package according to claim 9, wherein said copolymer includes polyesters. 
     
     
       11. The package according to claim 9, wherein said copolymer includes polystyrenes. 
     
     
       12. The package according to claim 6, wherein said fluoropolymer is a porous copolymer of fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP). 
     
     
       13. The package according to claim 6, wherein said fluoropolymer is a porous copolymer of perfluoroalkoxy tetrafluoroethylene (PFA) with a C 1  -C 4  alkoxy group. 
     
     
       14. The package according to claim 2, wherein said elastomer is a silicone. 
     
     
       15. The package according to claim 14, wherein a polybutadiene compound is combined with the silicone. 
     
     
       16. The package according to claim 14, wherein the silicone is a nonadhesive, non-tacky silicone. 
     
     
       17. The package according to claim 2, wherein said conductive metal is copper. 
     
     
       18. The package according to claim 2, wherein said conductive metal is nickel. 
     
     
       19. The package according to claim 2, wherein said conductive metal is silver or gold. 
     
     
       20. The package according to claim 2, wherein said conductive metal is platinum, palladium or rhodium. 
     
     
       21. The package according to claim 2, wherein said conductive metal is cobalt. 
     
     
       22. The package according to claim 2, wherein said conductive metal is aluminum or chromium. 
     
     
       23. The package according to claim 1, further including a polybutadiene compound. 
     
     
       24. The package according to claim 1, wherein said planar, open cell, porous material prior to being covered with a conductive layer has a void volume of 20 to 90%. 
     
     
       25. The package according to claim 24, wherein said void volume is 80%. 
     
     
       26. The package according to claim 24, wherein said void volume is 88%. 
     
     
       27. The package according to claim 1, wherein said elastomer is a 20 wt % silicone solution. 
     
     
       28. The package according to claim 1, wherein said elastomer is a 30 wt % silicone solution. 
     
     
       29. The package according to claim 1, wherein said planar, open cell porous member is 5 to 500 microns thick. 
     
     
       30. The package according to claim 29, wherein said planar, open cell porous member is 10 to 125 microns thick. 
     
     
       31. The package according to claim 29, wherein said planar, open cell porous member is about 75 microns thick. 
     
     
       32. The package according to claim 29, wherein said planar, open cell porous member is about 150 microns thick. 
     
     
       33. The package according to claim 29, wherein said planar, open cell porous member is about 10 microns thick. 
     
     
       34. The package according to claim 1, wherein said conductive metal is copper. 
     
     
       35. The package according to claim 1, wherein said conductive metal is nickel. 
     
     
       36. The package according to claim 1, wherein said conductive metal is silver or gold. 
     
     
       37. The package according to claim 1, wherein said conductive metal is platinum, palladium or rhodium. 
     
     
       38. The package according to claim 1, wherein said conductive metal is cobalt. 
     
     
       39. The package according to claim 1, wherein said conductive metal is aluminum or chromium.